The documents you need depend on which category you fall into

California groups Real ID applicants into three categories based on citizenship and immigration status, and each category requires a different set of documents. You cannot mix documents from different categories — you must follow the list for your specific situation. The state's DMV website lists all acceptable documents, but the fastest way to know exactly what you have that will work is to gather your documents and check them against your category before you go to the DMV.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DMV will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport, even if it is notarized. One exception: if you have a certified copy issued by the vital records office or the government agency that originally issued the document, that counts as an original for DMV purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. citizens need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number.
  • Lawful permanent residents need a green card or I-551 stamp, plus the same residency and Social Security proof as citizens.
  • Temporary residents with valid immigration status need an I-94, I-94A, or I-20 form, plus residency and Social Security documents.
  • Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted by the California DMV.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Real ID using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Documents U.S. citizens need

If you were born in the United States or became a naturalized citizen, you need three things: proof of citizenship, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of citizenship, bring one of these:

  • U.S. passport (valid or expired)
  • Birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or tribal government
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Certificate of U.S. citizenship
  • Consular report of birth abroad

For proof of California residency, bring one document dated within the last 62 days that shows your name and current California address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, property tax bill, or vehicle registration. A piece of mail from a government agency counts, but a postcard or advertisement does not.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have any of these documents, you will need to request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV.

Documents lawful permanent residents need

If you hold a green card or have a permanent resident stamp in your passport, you need proof of that status, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of permanent resident status, bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card) or your passport with the I-551 permanent resident stamp. The card or stamp must be valid or have expired no more than six months ago. If your green card expired more than six months ago, you will need to renew it through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the DMV will accept it.

The residency and Social Security requirements are identical to those for U.S. citizens: one document dated within the last 62 days showing your name and California address, and one document showing your Social Security number.

Documents temporary residents with valid immigration status need

If you are in the United States on a temporary visa or other valid immigration status, you need proof of that status, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

For proof of valid immigration status, bring one of these:

  • Form I-94 or I-94A (Arrival/Departure Record)
  • Form I-20 (Certificate of may be able to access for Student Status)
  • Form DS-160 confirmation page (for visa holders)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Advance Parole Document
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS) receipt notice
  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice

The document must show that your status is currently valid — it cannot be expired. If your status document has expired, you must renew it through the appropriate federal agency before explore for a Real ID.

For residency and Social Security proof, follow the same rules as citizens and permanent residents. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may use an ITIN instead, shown on an IRS tax return or ITIN assignment letter.

What to bring if you do not have a Social Security number

You can get a Real ID without a Social Security number if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct other business with the federal government.

To prove your ITIN, bring a copy of your most recent IRS tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040-PR) or an ITIN assignment letter from the IRS. The document must show your full ITIN. If you do not have either of these, you will need to file a tax return or request an ITIN assignment letter from the IRS before you can get a Real ID.

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, the DMV cannot issue you a Real ID. You would need to obtain one of these numbers first through the Social Security Administration or the IRS.

Name change documents and other special situations

If your name on your citizenship or residency documents does not match the name on your Social Security card or ITIN documents, bring evidence of the name change. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The DMV will not issue a Real ID if your name does not match across all your documents unless you can explain the discrepancy with official paperwork.

If you are explore for a Real ID in California but were not born in the United States and do not have a U.S. birth certificate, your passport or naturalization papers will work as proof of citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S. to a U.S. citizen parent, a consular report of birth abroad serves the same purpose.

If you have changed your address recently and your residency documents show an old address, bring two documents instead of one — both dated within the last 62 days. This shows the DMV that you have moved and are now living at your current California address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DMV requires an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office. A notarized photocopy is not accepted. If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born — they can mail it to you, usually within one to two weeks.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired U.S. passport is still acceptable as proof of citizenship for a Real ID. You do not need to renew it first. However, if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to renew your passport separately through the State Department.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a pay stub?

No. A pay stub showing your full Social Security number is acceptable proof. You do not need to bring the card itself. Any document that shows your full nine-digit Social Security number — W-2, 1099, pay stub, or the card — will work.

What if my green card expired more than six months ago?

The DMV will not accept it. You must renew your green card through USCIS before you can get a Real ID. You can start the renewal process online at the USCIS website or by calling USCIS. Renewal typically takes several months.

Can I use a bank statement from another state as proof of residency?

No. Your residency document must show a California address. If you recently moved to California, bring a document dated within the last 62 days that shows your new California address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from a California bank.